The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Darwin, NT. 1939-04. Darwin Mobile Force troops putting on their gas masks during a practice gas alert outside their barracks in the abandoned Vestey's meatworks. Vestey's was used by the Darwin Mobile Force as their barracks from March 1939 until August 1940. Note the tropical capes worn by the troops. These capes, referred to by the troops as "Mandrake" capes, were unique to the Darwin Mobile Force.
Darwin, NT. 1939-04. Darwin Mobile Force marching, in battle order, outside their barracks in the abandoned Vestey's meatworks. Vestey's was used by the Darwin Mobile Force as their barracks from Marc
Darwin, NT. 1939-04. Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1 N. F. Garrard, inspecting No. 3 (Artillery) Group, Darwin Mobile Force, outside their barracks in the abandoned Vestey's meatworks. Ve
Darwin, NT. 1939-04. Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1 N. F. Garrard, inspecting No. 4 (Reconnaissance) Group, Darwin Mobile Force, outside their barracks in the abandoned Vestey's meatwork
Darwin, NT. 1939-04. Interior of a Darwin Mobile Force barracks room in the abandoned Vestey's meatworks, with kitbags, capes and mosquito nets above rows of metal beds. Vestey's was used by the Darwi
Sydney, NSW. 1939-03-15. Darwin Mobile Force drawn up in full dress uniform on the wharf prior to embarking for Darwin on the SS Montoro. Note the tropical capes worn by Darwin Mobile Force. These cap
Darwin, NT. 1939-03. The abandoned Vestey's meatworks. Vestey's was used by the Darwin Mobile Force as their barracks from March 1939 until August 1940.
